Question

Which one of the following is a modified stem?
1. Carrot
2. Apple
3. Potato
4. Coconut

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Potato

The correct answer is Potato.

• In potato, the underground portion is a modified stem in that it stores reserve food and has all characters of stem i.e. roots and shoots appear from it and it has buds (eyes) also.
• Potato is a tuber (that part carry out photosynthesis- the green color part seen in young potato).
• It is called a modified stem as it has scaly leaves, nodes, internodes, and adventitious roots, characteristic to stems.
• Potato tuber bears buds in small pits known as eyes.
• Buds develop to branches.
• Some of the branches become green, erect, and leafy stems that grow horizontally underground.

• Plants often modify their stems for special functions.
• These modifications can have unusual and even bizarre shapes and can grow above as well as below the ground.
• Modified stems that grow above ground: Stolons or runners are horizontally oriented stems that grow along the soil surface.